LABOUR & EDUCATION

It is estimated the industry will need another 2,000 permanent employees and 4,000 seasonal employees within the next few years. This future growth is dependent on the ability to attract and retain young people who are highly skilled and enthusiastic and develop them to become our industry’s future leaders.

Horticulture is an industry on the rise; sectors and businesses have set ambitious growth targets of $10 billion by 2020, yet many businesses are struggling to find people to work in the industry. The Ministry of Primary Industries 2014 People Powered Report identified that currently, the industry does not have the people capability to meet horticulture’s export targets.The report states that an increase of 7,800 people and 14,900 more workers with qualifications are needed by 2025. In an effort to address this resourcing need, NZKGI has become increasingly focused on careers and education within the industry; we work to connect with students and open their eyes to the endless career opportunities available to them in New Zealand’s thriving horticulture industry.

Career Events

In 2017, NZKGI participated in the Eastern Bay of Plenty Career event in Whakatane and the Tauranga CANVAS Career event. Attendance at these events aims to promote the career opportunities available in the Kiwifruit Industry to Secondary School Students.

Horticulture Capability Group

NZKGI is a member of the Horticulture Capability Group (HCG), made up of Horticulture New Zealand, Pipfruit NZ, Hawkes Bay Fruit Growers Association, Vegetables New Zealand and New Zealand Avocado. Together, the group aim to advance the horticulture industries people capabilities across New Zealand.

In 2017, the HCG partnered with Whenua Ora, a pan-iwi organisation whose objective it is to increase Maori capability in the Primary Industries.

The HCG will be attending the 2018 Mystery Creek Fieldays.

If you would like to find out more about our activities in the careers and education sector, or participate in an expo at your school, please email NZKGI or call us on 0800 232 505.